7 Famous American Beer Lovers

Beer is not just a beverage; it is a cultural cornerstone in the United States. And with the Fourth of July approaching, we thought it time to celebrate seven famous Americans who loved beer as much as we do.

Benjamin Franklin

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, was an avid beer enthusiast. He is often (though mistakenly) credited with saying, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” While he did not actually say this, his writings reveal a great appreciation for beer. Franklin even printed “The Drinker’s Dictionary” in his Pennsylvania Gazette, which listed 228 euphemisms for being drunk. (And we’ve are own HERE)

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, was also a keen beer lover. He brewed beer at Monticello, his Virginia estate, and a seasoned homebrewer. Jefferson’s beer recipes are still used today and are used on occasion by homebrewers and commercial brewers alike.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, played a pivotal role in ending Prohibition. Upon signing the Cullen-Harrison Act in 1933, which legalized the sale of beer with an alcohol content of 3.2% by weight (4% by volume), he famously remarked, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” This act set the stage for the full repeal of Prohibition later that year with the 21st Amendment.

Ernest Hemingway

The renowned American novelist and short-story writer, Ernest Hemingway, had a well-documented fondness for alcohol, including beer. His works often include references to beer, and he enjoyed drinking it in various exotic locations around the world. Hemingway’s adventurous lifestyle and his love for a good drink have made him an enduring icon of the beer-loving literary world. He also committed suicide, so there’s that.

Hunter S. Thompson

Another literary legend, Hunter S. Thompson, the founder of Gonzo journalism, was another famous American known for his love of beer. Thompson’s wild and eccentric lifestyle, as chronicled in books like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” often included copious amounts of alcohol, with beer being a staple in his diet, as well as whatever drugs were around. His writing style and personality have left a lasting impression on American counterculture and the world of journalism. And like Hemingway, he too committed suicide.

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, indirectly contributed to the craft beer revolution in America. In 1978, he signed a bill that legalized homebrewing, paving the way for the growth of the craft beer industry. This legislation allowed thousands of beer enthusiasts to experiment with brewing at home, leading to the explosion of microbreweries and the diversity of beer available today.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton has been known to enjoy a beer (among other things). While his beer drinking is not as legendary as his womanizing, Clinton’s preference for a cold brew has been noted during various social occasions throughout his career, reflecting the beverage’s wide appeal across different segments of American society.

Clearly the love of beer transcends time, politics, literature and social status, connecting people from all walks of life. And we’re all about it at American Craft Beer.

So as we approach Independence Day, let us raise a glass to these fine American beer lovers who have, each in their own ways, contributed to the rich tapestry of beer culture in the US.